UBTech’s Workforce Promise is Having a Significant Influence on Local Workforce
Technical skills may help someone get hired, but professional skills often determine how far they go once they enter the workforce.
Recognizing the growing demand for employees who can communicate effectively, solve problems, work as part of a team, and adapt to changing workplace expectations, Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) launched Workforce Promise in October 2024. Since then, over 150 participants have completed the training, gaining additional preparation to help them succeed in their careers.
Workforce Promise is a free, self-paced training available to UBTech students. Participants strengthen workplace competencies employers consistently identify as critical to long-term success, including communication, professionalism, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Students who complete the training earn the distinction of Workforce Promise Graduate, signaling to employers their commitment to workplace readiness and professional growth.
The impact is already being recognized by employers across the Uintah Basin.
“I tell all my hiring managers to pay attention when they see Workforce Promise on a resume,” shared Grant Barraclough, Chief Nursing/Clinical Officer from Ashley Regional Medical Center.
Employers have also noted the difference Workforce Promise graduates bring to the workplace after being hired.
“We’ve had employees and graduates complete Workforce Promise, and we’ve seen an impact on communication skills,” said Shelly Ward, Service Operations Manager at Strata Networks. “It helps candidates stand out during the interview process and has even helped employees advance within the organization.”
Other industry partners see Workforce Promise as an investment in the future of the region.
“You’re shaping the future,” said Yankton Johnson, CEO/General Manager, from Moon Lake Electric Association. “When we hire UBTech graduates, we know many are staying here locally. Thank you for helping develop the future workforce of our community.”
Strata Networks also praised the combination of technical and professional preparation students receive.
“UBTech graduates already bring strong technical training to the workforce. Through Workforce Promise, they further develop the problem-solving, communication, and professional skills employers value most,” Ward added.
Student feedback mirrors what employers are seeing. Ninety-six percent of Workforce Promise participants agree or strongly agree the training helped them recognize the importance of career-ready skills for long-term workplace success.
For UBTech student Christian Olsen, Workforce Promise provided an opportunity to strengthen her resume and gain a better understanding of what employers expect.
“I would recommend Workforce Promise to students and individuals beginning their careers who want to stand out and be better prepared for success,” said Olsen.
Workforce Promise is built on a three-way commitment between students, employers, and UBTech. Students complete the training, participating employers pledge to interview qualified Workforce Promise graduates, and UBTech continues to support graduates after hire by offering free additional professional skills coaching during the first year of employment when needed.
“Employers regularly tell us that communication, professionalism, teamwork, and adaptability are just as important as technical ability,” said UBTech President Aaron Weight. “Workforce Promise helps students better understand workplace expectations while giving employers greater confidence in the graduates they hire.”
Building on the success of Workforce Promise, UBTech is launching a new initiative this fall called Workforce Wednesdays. Held on the second Wednesday of each month, Workforce Wednesdays will provide selected workforce-ready students with personal introductions to local employers.
Students will receive guidance ahead of time to ensure resumes are polished and professional, while employers gain direct access to prospective employees who are prepared to enter the workforce.
“UBTech is always looking for ways to strengthen connections between students and industry,” Weight said. “Workforce Wednesdays will create meaningful opportunities for employers and students to build relationships before a job opening is even posted.”
Both Workforce Promise and Workforce Wednesdays reflect UBTech’s ongoing commitment to supporting students and helping employers find qualified talent close to home.
Employers interested in participating in Workforce Promise or Workforce Wednesdays may contact Taija Jackson, Vice President of Student Affairs, at taija@ubtech.edu or visit www.ubtech.edu/workforcepromise for more information.
Industry leaders Grant Barraclough (Ashley Regional Medical Center), Yankton Johnson (Moon Lake Electric Association), and Shelly Ward (Strata Networks) participate in a workforce discussion at UBTech. Topics included workforce needs, the impact of Workforce Promise, and the strong partnerships between UBTech and local industry.
